Home » Press Releases » Lt. Governor Cagle, Senators Dugan and Heath Congratulate Paulding County College and Career Academy on $3 Million Grant

Lt. Governor Cagle, Senators Dugan and Heath Congratulate Paulding County College and Career Academy on $3 Million Grant

December 7, 2017

Atlanta, GA, December 7, 2017 – Today, the Technical College System of Georgia announced that Paulding County will launch one of Georgia’s three new College and Career Academies (CCAs). The announcement came with a $3 million grant from the Technical College System of Georgia. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle praised Paulding County Schools for their successful partnership with Chattahoochee Technical College.

“I am excited that Paulding County will build Georgia’s next College and Career Academy,” said Lt. Governor Cagle. “In today’s rapidly evolving economy, expanding the proven success of our CCAs is more important than ever so that we can provide all Georgia’s students with the relevant skills they need. To grow a workforce that is second to none, I am committed to providing every student across our state access to a College and Career Academy by 2020.”

Senators Mike Dugan and Bill Heath joined Lt. Governor Cagle in congratulating Paulding County Schools on this remarkable achievement:

“Bringing industry and education together is what will continue to set Georgia apart as we lead the nation as the #1 state to do business,” said Senator Dugan. “I look forward to working with Lt. Governor Cagle and Paulding County CCA as we break ground on this engine of economic growth.”

“Paulding County is responding to the needs of industry in our community - and this College and Career Academy will make a big difference in our region,” added Senator Heath. “I am confident that our students will continue to gravitate toward careers in high-demand industries like advanced manufacturing and engineering as this CCA allows more individuals to gain hands-on career experience.”

Lt. Governor Cagle praised the partnership between local school systems, technical colleges, and business, which has proven effective in increasing student achievement and workforce development across our state. Because of Lt. Governor Cagle’s initiative, there will be 43 College and Career Academies in Georgia. Approximately 20,000 students are enrolled in College and Career Academies throughout Georgia, boasting graduation rates as high as 99%.

College and Career Academies are effectively developing programs to train high school students for in-demand careers. Students find that challenging, hands-on programs provide greater relevancy and value, which not only lead to higher graduation rates but also rewarding professional opportunities. The specified training for students is attractive to local businesses, and communities benefit from developing a highly-trained and skilled workforce.

“Our students deserve every opportunity for academic success – and with the creation of Georgia’s three new College and Career Academies, we are one step closer to ensuring all students across our state have access to these world-class learning institutions by 2020,” said Lt. Governor Cagle. “These school systems have embraced innovation in the classroom, bringing business and community leaders together to ignite economic growth for many years to come.”

Paulding County College and Career Academy:

Paulding County College and Career Academy’s mission, in partnership with Chattahoochee Technical College, is to engage the entire Northwest Georgia community to prepare students for the future needs of our workforce. Using their $3 million grant, Paulding County Schools will create a 21st century learning environment conducive to applied learning and career-related experiences. By aligning their post-secondary curriculum with multiple partners in industry, Paulding County students will have limitless career opportunities immediately after graduation. This academy will offer career pathways in Healthcare, Energy, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Information Technology, and Cybersecurity as well as TCSG and Department of Labor Certified apprenticeship programs.